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Knowledge Diplomacy: A Conceptual Analysis

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The Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform and Innovation

Part of the book series: Studies in Diplomacy and International Relations ((SID))

Abstract

The contemporary role of international higher education, research, and innovation (IHERI) in international relations is an increasingly important but understudied phenomenon. The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the concept of knowledge diplomacy, including the role of state and non-state actors. Given the complexity and confusion among the growing number of terms related to diplomacy, the similarities and differences between knowledge diplomacy and science, cultural, public, and education diplomacy are explored. Using the tool of a conceptual framework the rationales, actors, principles, modes, or operation and activities of using IHERI in a knowledge diplomacy approach versus a soft power approach are discussed and compared. Academics, experts, and policymakers from the fields of international relations, as well as higher education, will benefit from an interdisciplinary analysis of the contributions of IHERI to international relations as demonstrated by the application of the knowledge diplomacy framework to the Pan-African University.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    https://pau-au.africa/

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Knight, J. (2023). Knowledge Diplomacy: A Conceptual Analysis. In: Hare, P.W., Manfredi-Sánchez, J.L., Weisbrode, K. (eds) The Palgrave Handbook of Diplomatic Reform and Innovation. Studies in Diplomacy and International Relations. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-10971-3_4

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